Mule deer, pronghorn and other species will soon have an easier time of moving across one of the more difficult highways for them to navigate in Wyoming as construction proceeds ahead of schedule on the $30.6 million dollar Kemmerer Wildlife Crossing project on U.S. 189, with a contract completion date of October 31, 2027.  The scope of the project includes 63 miles of eight-foot-tall deer fence, seven underpass structures, one overpass, and a mile of road reconstruction.

Construction of the overpass portion of the project began in July, with pre-cast concrete sections of the structure being placed. The project is possible in part thanks to a $24.3 million Wildlife Crossing Pilot Program discretionary grant from the Federal Highway Administration awarded to the Wyoming Department of Transportation and Wyoming Game and Fish Department.

Along U.S. 189, an average of 80 wildlife-vehicle collisions are reported each year, although the number is believed to be underreported.  Once completed, deer, pronghorn and other wildlife will be able to move safely between seasonal habitats, reducing the number of animals on the roadway and increasing the safety of drivers.  This project became a top priority due to projected future development and increased traffic along U.S. 189.  This project also builds on existing wildlife crossing improvements completed along U.S. 189, including the Dry Piney crossing near LaBarge and Trapper’s point near Pinedale.  Anticipated completion of the overpass is for later this year, while work on the underpasses and the addition of a top wire to the fencing will likely stretch to the spring of 2027.

In addition to the federal grant and $4.2 million in WYDOT formula funds, the Wyoming Transportation Commission, Game and Fish Commission, Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust and other nonprofits and partners contributed $8.8 million to fully fund the project.  Similar overpass and fencing projects near Pinedale and LaBarge have virtually eliminated wildlife/vehicle collisions, increasing motorist safety and conserving the wildlife resource.  Once completed, this project is anticipated to eliminate 80–90% of wildlife-vehicle collisions in this area.